July the 1st can not come quick enough for the Royals management team as they will finally be able to register and announce the new signing for the coming season.

Assistant manager Neil Tooth spoke of the hard work that has gone in since the season ended in April. "We have not stopped at all really for any sort of break. We like to get our business done and dusted early as a rule but the game is changing and more and more players are holding out to see what is the best deal they can get and refuse to commit. In my day you just wanted it sorted so you could enjoy the holidays but I think some players want to massage their egos a little and have 2, 3 or even 4 teams chasing them. We wont release any names either until they are registered as that is another part of the game thats changing. Some managers trawl the internet looking at who has left where and who is signing where and they will get on the phone and offer that player a deal knowing that we cant register them. Im afraid its part and parcel now and with so many midland clubs playing at the same level chances are more than 1 other club are in for the players we want".

Asked about the new recruits Toothy said, "we have 6 new faces that have agreed and we have another 2 that will come in pre season with view to signing. But until they are registered we wont be taking anything for granted. We have had 2 players shake hands on deals and then back out and we have also had a player use us to get a better deal from his current club so we will always remain a little sceptical. Its a shame cause it makes you not trust players when most are honest and straight but as in any walk of life its the odd few that give others a bad reputation."

News on the new players will be released once they are registered on July 1st and the new seasons fixtures are out July 13th.